Tony Buzan is an internationally recognized educational psychologist at the University of London and his video series on Mind Mapping techniques provides an excellent way for individuals or small groups to learn to brainstorm "stupid ideas" into "innovative masterpieces."

WHOLE BRAIN LEARNING: Not every student will become a professional photographer or videographer. In the 21st century, however, every adult will need to be a critical thinker and decision maker in order to compete in a global economy. Developing right brain visual image ability is only a small part of whole brain learning suggested by Barbara Clark in her book, "Optimizing Learning: The Integrative Education Model in the Classroom." Her book explains seven keys to optimal learning;

• responsive environment
• tension relaxation
• physical movement
• empowering language
• choices and perceived control
• complex and challenging activities
• intuition

I have attempted to incorporate these elements into classroom instruction by:

• posting student and professional works
• playing music while students work
• offering assignment options
• Letting students work cooperatively

Clark's work is a fore-runner to Howard Gardner's and Bruce Campbell's "multiple intelligences theories." In my teaching methods and in each lesson I attempt to integrate one or more of the multiple learning styles:

• verbal-linguistic
• logical-mathematical
• visual-spatial
• bodily-kinesthetic
• musical
• interpersonal intelligence
• intrapersonal intelligence

The latest research by Daniel Coleman in his book "Emotional Intelligence", states that even the brightest students can be "emotionally disabled" when it comes to handling:

• anger
• anxiety
• impulsiveness
• emergencies
• occupational and family relationships

His research suggests that the fundamentals of "emotional intelligence" are:

• self-awareness
• management of feelings
• motivation
• empathy
• social skills

Teachers and parents can be emotional coaches by seeking to understand what is upsetting a student and helping them find positive ways to effectively deal with their emotions. Ignoring feelings, being too easygoing, and being contemptuous are common errors parents and teachers make in responding to student emotions.

CREATIVE THINKING:

Coming up with innovative and original ideas can sometimes be more frustrating and difficult than visually representing the ideas.

Photography and video production students are expected to "mind map" out possible solutions before they begin their assignments. Students find mind mapping to be a very useful technique in generating original project ideas. Mind mapping is also helpful to students solving problems and studying for performance examinations in their other classes as well.

What can you see in this picture?